Diljit Dosanjh is winning widespread praise for his performance in Border 2, with audiences applauding his acting range, comic timing, and emotional depth. However, the road to his casting in the film was not without controversy. Last year, online backlash erupted after Diljit featured Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in Sardaarji 3, leading some to demand his removal from Border 2. Now, producer Bhushan Kumar has finally addressed why the makers stood by the actor despite the pressure.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Bhushan Kumar revealed that the team refused to bow down to social media outrage. “We were lucky to get all the actors on board. We had already started filming when the pressure came. If a company like ours starts replacing actors because of trolls, then we shouldn’t be making movies,” he stated firmly. His words underline the production house’s decision to prioritize artistic integrity over online noise.
Director Anurag Singh also defended Diljit, criticizing how quickly people form assumptions. “You watch him on screen or in interviews, but you don’t know him personally or his beliefs. People assume things and start saying anything. But he isn’t what they think he is,” Singh explained, emphasizing that the actor was unfairly judged based on misinformation.
Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 is set against the backdrop of the 1971 India–Pakistan war, but expands its storytelling far beyond the original Border. This time, the film brings together the Army, Air Force, and Navy, portraying a large-scale coordinated military operation. At the heart of the story is Sunny Deol’s character, Lt Col Fateh Singh Kaler — a commanding officer who acts as mentor, leader, and emotional backbone to a younger group of soldiers portrayed by Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty.
The film has received strong critical feedback. News18 Showsha awarded Border 2 four stars, praising its emotional depth. A portion of the review noted, “The emotional core is where Border 2 scores its biggest win. The camaraderie between the younger actors feels natural, not written for effect. Sunny Deol is a pleasant surprise in quieter moments — joking, smiling, and teasing his men adds warmth. When the big speeches arrive, they feel earned.”
However, the review also acknowledged minor flaws. The film’s lengthy runtime occasionally tests patience, certain romantic sequences feel stretched, and some war scenes could have been sharper. Additionally, while most action sequences are impactful, a few naval VFX shots lack realism. Still, critics agree that the film’s biggest strength lies in its emotional resonance rather than spectacle alone.
Despite early controversy, Diljit’s presence has proven to be a winning choice — both creatively and commercially — as Border 2 continues to strike a chord with audiences nationwide.